Alligator, 17 firearms, and cocaine confiscated, but no tiger

An alligator, cocaine, firearms and money were confiscated during a raid at two homes in Albuquerque last month, but New Mexico wildlife officials said Saturday they are still seeking for a newborn tiger they say is being unlawfully kept as a pet.

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish conservation officials stated in a statement that investigators believe the tiger is “in New Mexico or a neighboring state.”

Officers of the NMDGF’s conservation division continue their search for the missing tiger. https://t.co/j7CE18nZeA image: https://twitter.com/HoDCva68pO

— New Mexico Game & Fish (@NMDGF) on 11 September 2022

Large meat-eating creatures, such as tigers and alligators, pose a clear threat to the public, according to the agency. The animal was believed to be less than one year old and weigh less than sixty pounds.

Wild tigers are recognized globally as an endangered species. From 1967 until 1987, alligators were categorized as endangered in the United States, but they are now thriving in the wild.

The length of the alligator captured by authorities is about 1 meter. August 12 saw the execution of search warrants by state conservation officers, federal, state, and municipal law enforcement.

“Exotic animals held unlawfully in captivity are frequently in very bad health when discovered by conservation authorities,” the department stated in a statement. “Investigators devote considerable effort on cases like this one.”

Albuquerque police reported the arrest of 26-year-old Carlos Giddings and the seizure of 2 pounds of heroin, 10.5 pounds of cocaine, 49 pounds of marijuana, 17 firearms and pistols (including an AK-47 rifle and an AR-15 rifle), fentanyl and Xanax pills, and approximately $42,000.

Investigators reported seizing 2 pounds of heroin, 10.5 pounds of cocaine, 49 pounds of marijuana, 17 firearms, fentanyl and Xanax tablets, and approximately $42,000. Albuquerque Police Department